cemvo scotland civic life bulletin

7/31/2019 CEMVO Scotland Civic Life Bulletin

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My formal education focused on humanrights and equality, and I wanted to build

a career around applying my knowledgeand skills in practical ways to make a

positive difference to the lives of the mostvulnerable in our society. Being legally

excluded from the process of governmentand public life in South Africa, mademost people in my situation even more

determined to get involved in shaping thefuture of the country albeit in covertways. These illegal hidden contribu-

tions, regularly made by very ordinary

people of all ages and social backgrounds,

ultimately resulted in one of the mostremarkable regime change in the world.

This remains my inspiration for partici-

pating in civic life.

My continuing engagement in civic life in

the UK and Scotland is strongly moti-

vated by the proven strength of peoplepower demonstrated in SA. So, despite

being a full time-academic for most of mycareer, I always made time to volunteer or

contribute to civic society. Participating incivic life is therefore an integral part of

who I am.

Since my arrival in Scotland, I used myfull-time job as a vehicle for actively

seeking opportunities for civic

participation. On reflection, I realise thatmy personal determination to get

involved blinded me to the obviousbarriers that are faced by ethnic minority

groups.

As Director of the Ethnic MinorityResearch Unit (Glasgow Caledonian), I

was fortunate to come across a number ofcommunity groups (mainly thoseaddressing ethnic minority concerns) who

were working hard,often with very

limited resources, tomake a difference

and I felt an urgentneed to get involved.

In a sense I owethese organisations a

debt as it provided an opportunities to learnmore about Scotland, its people and the

social problems.

I was appointed chair of the BIG Lottery in

Scotland (first female, ethnic minorityChair) and, the only ethnic minorityfemale to Chair the CRE (UK) in its 40

years of existence.

I am convinced that the barriers thatexisted some 20 years ago are now much

weaker given the positive steps taken by

government and other organisations toencourage involvement of

under-represented groups in public life.Notwithstanding this, it is false to give the

impression that my experience in public lifewas always positive. I have most

certainly had my share of routine, subtle

discrimination and isolation, sometimes inthe most unexpected situations and contexts

but these have left me more determined to

stay involved.

Ultimately the personal satisfaction and

knowledge that my involvement does makea difference to regular peoples life makes

civil participation that much moregratifying- so much so that I recently

changed my career to allow more time for

civic involvement. I continue to activelyencourage citizens, irrespective of social

circumstances, ethnicity or age, to become

involved in civic life.

Kay Hampton

March 2012

Civic Life

Personal experiences

of being involved in

Civic Life.

Kay Hampton

Selma Rehman

Philomena de Lima-

Social Justice issues

- Public Appointment

opportunities.

Increasing Ethnic Minority Civic Participation in Scotland


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Selma Rehman

Civic Life Page 2

I first worked in the voluntary sector in Wester Hailes, Edinburgh. My reasoning was: if I worked

locally, part time, Id be around as my four sons went to school - came home and of course, not

spend money on transport!

Once I got a job there my real learning began: seeing and being part of the interactions between

my work, other groups, individuals and various levels of officialdom

At a difficult time (a far right group was trying to recruit in my area: posters had appeared!) I re-quested the local REC to come and work with us. I never dreamt that years later I would become

their Chairperson (the first woman to hold such a post in Scotland) or a Director elsewhere in

Scotland even later.

But that was a valuable lesson: I knew the problems that could arise in my community if left

unchallenged, but I couldnt leave it others; I needed to become involved, to work with others, and

give something back to my community,

I was also a part time volunteer. This helped me keep learning, formally at college and

informally: youre never too old to learn and nor should you stop learning! I also learnt to weigh

up situations. Was it the right time, the right opportunity? I passed up the offer of teaching Eng-lish in Italy. My sons couldnt interrupt their education, so I only went full time when my youngest

went to secondary school, and was that an eye opener!. (Big change for me, very challenging)

Listen, contribute and keep going became my mantra!

So, over the years Ive worked on Boards, with Government, in the private sector and including:

independent assessor - public appointments.

And I still believe: we mustbe involved in shaping our society, and not be on the fringes.

My involvement in social justice issues has taken various forms and routes over the years .

Starting with my involvement as a student in the campaign against Universities charging overseas

students differential fees and in literacy programmes, I became active in for example : the One

percent tea campaign ( an early forerunner of fair trade); and womens issues ( including the

campaign against Depo-Provera tested on BME women) and some time spent with the Southall

Black Sisters in London.

The driving force behind my involvement has always been the importance of challenging social

injustices. These experiences were formative in engaging in debates, making new contacts and

developing friendships . I guess if I feel strongly enough about an issue I just thrown myself into

it. However, living outside the central belt can make engagement in civic organisations difficult .

My interest in social justice stems from having lived in two continents before the age of 18 : born

in Uganda and educated in Goa, India. Living in three continents has been pivotal in shaping my

views of social justice and activism , which spans boundaries- cultural groups and nation states .

Over the years I have also served on public bodies and agencies : UK and Scottish Board member

of the National Lottery Charities Board ; Board member of the Scottish Funding Council ;

trustee of the Unemployed Voluntary Action Fund ( now Voluntary Action Fund) ; advisory

group member of Scottish Community Action and research Fund (SCARF) and Scottish Advisory

Group of the EOC amongst others.

Being in engaged in campaigning activities as well as more formal organisations have undoubtedly

been important in helping me to gain a range of skills, but also in gaining self confidence, the

feeling that it is possible to influence change some times and access to a wide range of contacts

from which I continually learn new ways of thinking and perceiving the world.

Philomena de Lima- Social Justice issues


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Board Members: Govanhill Housing Association [Glasgow]

Job Type: Management board Closing date: 4 May 2012

Application notes: If you are interested please visit GHA website at http://www.govanhillha.org/about-us/

job-vacancies

Chairperson and Board Members: Kinetic [Fife]Job Type: Management board Closing date:27 April 2012

Kinetic is the trading name of Levenmouth YMCA and comprises of a team of volunteers, freelance

specialist workers, 5 full time paid staff and a dedicated Board of Trustees. Application notes: For informalenquiries and to request an application pack please contact Anne-Marie Martin, Executive Director on

07838766136 to apply please visit: http://www.goodmoves.org.uk/jobs/10194?role=13 orE-Mail: [email protected] Please Note: Voluntary and unpaid.

Board Members : Voluntary Action South Ayrshire [South Ayrshire]Job Type: Management board Closing date: 23 April 2012

Application notes:

All out of pocket/travel expenses will be reimbursed and for further information please go tohttp://www.goodmoves.org.uk/jobs/9989?role=13 or E-Mail: [email protected]

Trustee: Aberdeen University Students' Association [Aberdeen]Job Type: Management board Closing date: 4 May 2012

[The term of office will be between 1-3 years in the first instance].

Organisation profile: Aberdeen University Students Association (AUSA) provides representation and

services for students, to enhance their experiences and enable students to enjoy and gain more from theiruniversity education.

Application notes: For further information please contact Tessa Birley, Student President/Chair of Trustee

Board ([email protected]) or Bryan Snelling, General Manager ([email protected]) or

tele: (01224) 272965

Volunteer Board Directors and Committee Members Glasgow Credit Union [Glasgow]Job Type: Management board Closing date:11 May 2012Salary info: Reasonable out of pocket expenses will be paid

Volunteer Directors: Committing at least one evening per month, you will contribute to a Board ofDirectors to strategically lead the Credit Union. Candidates should have relevant skills and experience of

working at a strategic level within financial services or have an accounting background.

Internal Audit Committee: Committing at least one day per month, you will work within a team of

volunteers to ensure adequate controls exist within the Credit Union. Candidates should have accountingand/or auditing experience gained within financial services.

Application notes: If you are interested in helping to shape the future of one of Scotlands leading financial

mutuals, and gaining volunteering experience within an ethical organisation, please send your CV to: PaulMcfarlane, Glasgow Credit Union, 95 Morrison Street, Glasgow, G5 8BE or

[email protected], indicating which volunteer position you are interested in.

Committee and Trustee Vacancies

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http://www.govanhillha.org/about-us/job-vacancieshttp://www.govanhillha.org/about-us/job-vacancieshttp://www.govanhillha.org/about-us/job-vacanciesmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.govanhillha.org/about-us/job-vacancieshttp://www.govanhillha.org/about-us/job-vacancies


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Lancefield House95-107 Lancefield Street

2nd FloorGlasgow G3 8HZ

Phone: 0141 248 4830Fax: 0141 221 4439

[email protected]

SCOTTISH SOCIAL SERVICES COUNCIL - Appointment of Members

Scottish Ministers are looking to fill a number of Council member positions on the Scottish

Social Services Council (SSSC). If you are interested in a commitment to the provision of high

quality social services which have the needs of users and carers at the centre of provision, we

would like to hear from you.

Commitment: Minimum of5 days per month on Council business.

Remuneration: 137 per day is payable.

The Council is liable to pay allowances at rates set centrally for any travel and subsistence

costs necessarily incurred on Council business. Reasonable receipted childcare and dependant

carer expenses incurred on Council business will also be reimbursed where applicable. For anapplication pack and full details on this and other public appointments please visit the dedicated

public appointments website: www.appointed-for-scotland.org or bye-mailing

[email protected] Completed applications must be received on or

before 29 April 2012.

NONEXECUTIVE DIRECTORS- EDUCATION SCOTLAND

Education Scotland is appointing a number of Non-executive Directors to provide advice and

support to the Chief Executive in discharging his responsibilities for the effective and efficient

operation of Education Scotland. We are seeking independently minded people who will pro-

vide an informed input and bring an external perspective and challenge. They will contribute

at a strategic level on corporate management issues including communications, performance,

governance, efficiency and risk drawing on previous experience in senior management within

the public, private or voluntary sectors.

Attendance : At least four meetings per year

Daily attendance rate: 272. There is also an additional payment to cover a half day

preparation for each meeting attended and travel and subsistence costs will be paid.

If you experience any difficulties accessing the Appointed for Scotland website, please con-

tact HR PA on 0800 015 8449, Complete application forms should be emailed to:

[email protected]. The closing date is: 27 April 2012.

WWW.cemvoscotland.org.uk

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If you would like further

nformation and supportin applying for any of

the positions featuredin this publication or

would like to advertiseboard, managementcommittee, trustee

opportunities pleasecontact.

Fiaz KhanRace Equality Mainstreaming Officer

Lancefield House 2nd Floor95-107 Lancefield Street

Glasgow G3 8HZ

0141 248 4830fiaz. [email protected]

Civic Life

NATIONAL GALLERIES OF SCOTLAND Appointment of Trustees

While international experience in the museum or culture sector and marketing and new media

skills are areas of expertise which are of particular interest to NGS, applications are welcome

from all those who feel they meet the published essential criteria. We would also like to ensure

that the Board carries broad geographical representation. The new appointees will formally

take up post from 1 August 2012. The posts are not remunerated but reasonable travel and

subsistence costs will be met. The closing date for applications is 22 April 2012.

Application requests and returns should be e-mailed to:

[email protected].

Public Appointment Vacancies on Boards
http://www.appointed-for-scotland.org/http://www.appointed-for-scotland.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.appointed-for-scotland.org/

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